Yes. Under Article 4 of the Saudi Road Transport Law, no person — including expatriates — may engage in any road transport activity without first obtaining a license from the relevant authority. This applies whether you plan to run a bus service, taxi operation, truck fleet, or vehicle rental business.
The specific procedures, conditions, and requirements for obtaining a license are set out in the implementing Regulations. You will need to ensure you meet all eligibility criteria before starting operations. Article 7 further requires that the Authority issue the necessary documents to any service provider before they can legally begin a road transport activity.
If you are considering entering this sector, it is strongly advisable to consult a licensed Saudi legal adviser or business consultant familiar with transport regulations to guide you through the application process and confirm current requirements with the relevant authority.
This is general legal information, not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult a lawyer licensed in Saudi Arabia.